19 day New Zealand Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday

• 4 fantastic rail journeys including the Coastal Pacific and world-renowned TranzAlpine
• Relax in the stunning Bay of Islands
• See the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers at Te Puia plus experience a traditional Maori Hangi and Concert
• Marvel at the waterfalls, wildlife and rugged mountains on an overnight cruise on Milford Sound

Day 1: Arrive Auckland On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. (D) Grand Millennium Hotel

Days 2 & 3: Auckland – Bay of Islands Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to visit the Kauri Museum. Continue to the beautiful Bay of Islands and enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. The next day is a free day with plenty of optional activities available including a relaxing dinner cruise (own expense). (BD,B) Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar (2 nights)

Day 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland This morning cruise through the Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, otherwise known as the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Later, call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree before arriving in Auckland. (BD) Grand Millennium Hotel

Days 5 & 6: Auckland – Rotorua In the morning, travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic trip on a beautifully restored vintage steam train with morning tea included. Travel through magnificent countryside and green pastures famous for dairying. Enjoy a visit to Paradise Valley Springs where you will have the opportunity to hand feed rainbow trout. The next day begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua before a visit to the Agrodome. In the afternoon, marvel at the boiling mud pools and geysers of Te Puia before enjoying an entertaining Maori Hangi Feast and Concert that evening. (BD,BSD) Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)

Days 7 & 8: Rotorua – Wellington Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park and then continue south to the capital city of Wellington. The next day, you have time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour before enjoying time at leisure. (BD,B) James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Executive Room) (2 nights)

Days 9 & 10: Wellington – Christchurch In the morning, board the Interislander Ferry and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Reboard your coach in Kaikoura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch. The following day, visit the International Antarctic Centre before enjoying an introductory city tour of Christchurch. The afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at your leisure with the evening free to enjoy one of the many eateries near your hotel. (BD,B) Distinction Christchurch (2 nights)

Day 11: Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef In the morning, board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers (optional, weather permitting). (BD) Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

Days 12 & 13: Franz Josef – Queenstown Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass before arriving in picturesque Queenstown. The evening is free with a wide selection of local restaurants available. The next day is free for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. In the evening, board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. (B,BSD) Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront (2 nights)

Day 14: Queenstown – Milford Sound Overnight Cruise This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound to board the Milford Mariner for an amazing overnight cruise. Enjoy spectacular views of the fiord’s waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky perhaps even some dolphins and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet on board prepared freshly by the expert chef. (BD) Milford Mariner

Day 15: Milford Sound – Te Anau Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) for further exploration of the fiord. Return to the wharf and meet your coach for the scenic journey to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, where you can admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto (optional). (BD) Distinction Luxmore (Deluxe Room)

Days 16 & 17: Te Anau – Dunedin Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Pukerangi to board The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. On arrival at Dunedin’s historic Railway Station your coach will transfer you to the hotel. The next day travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. Hear the stories of this impressive building on a guided tour with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to the city for an informative city tour followed by some free time. You might be interested in a tour of Speights Brewery or to see wildlife in their natural habitat (optional). Enjoy a Scottish evening tonight with great food, bagpipes, Haggis Ceremony and gift. (BD,BSD) Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights)

Days 18 & 19: Dunedin – Christchurch In the morning, visit Olveston, a prosperous merchants’ home from the turn of the century before travelling to the city of Oamaru, famous for its limestone. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends. On Day 19, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (BSD,B) Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport NOTE: Dinner on Day 1 is not included for passengers arriving after 8pm.